Human infections with Plasmodium knowlesi—zoonotic malaria

Millar, S.B. and Cox-Singh, J. (2015) Human infections with Plasmodium knowlesi—zoonotic malaria. Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 21(7), pp. 640-648. (doi: 10.1016/j.cmi.2015.03.017) (PMID:25843504)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

In 2004 a large focus of Plasmodium knowlesi malaria was reported in the human population in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. Plasmodium knowlesi, a parasite of the South-East Asian macaques (Macaca fascicularis and Macaca nemestrina), had entered the human population. Plasmodium knowlesi is transmitted by the leucosphyrus group of Anopheline mosquitoes and transmission is largely zoonotic and restricted to the jungle setting. Humans entering jungle transmission sites are at risk. Since 2004, human cases of P. knowlesi have been continuously reported in local communities and in travellers returning from South East Asia. Plasmodium knowlesi is the most common type of indigenous malaria reported in Malaysia. Infections are most often uncomplicated but at least 10% of patients report with severe malaria and 1–2% of cases have a fatal outcome. Parasitaemia is positively associated with the clinical and laboratory markers of severe malaria. The current literature on P. knowlesi, including epidemiology, natural hosts and vectors, pathogenesis, clinical descriptions, treatment and diagnosis, is reviewed. There are many gaps in our understanding of this disease that are highlighted here with suggestions for further research to inform pre-emptive control measures that would be required to prevent a full emergence of this parasite into the human population.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Millar, Mr Scott
Authors: Millar, S.B., and Cox-Singh, J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Clinical Microbiology and Infection
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:1198-743X
ISSN (Online):1469-0691
Published Online:02 April 2015

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record